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Meet the Cast of “Skeleton Crew”

Skeleton Crew, playing now through April 1 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, features four phenomenal actors building something incredible together. As Shanita says in the play, “Got a motor in it and it’s gonna take somebody somewhere.”

Meet the four talented cast members who are acting their faces off eight times a week (plus one student matinee).

MARGO HALL (Faye)

This is Margo’s first show at TheatreWorks, although you may have seen her around the Bay Area at ACT, Cal Shakes, or SF Playhouse.

Tell me about your first car.

It was a Nissan Sentra. I lived in New York. If I’d lived in Detroit I would have had to buy an American car.

In what ways are you like your character?

I’m resilient, stubborn, and dedicated to my job.

What one piece of advice would you give your character?

I would tell Faye not to be afraid to accept help. It’s okay to need people.

What’s your dream role?

Faye Davison. This role is a dream come true!

CHRISTIAN THOMPSON (Dez)

Christian was seen most recently in Dominique Morisseau’s Ain’t Too Proud at Berkeley Rep, and makes his TheatreWorks debut in Skeleton Crew.

Tell me about your first car.

My first car was a black 1996 Chevy Cavalier Coupe. Her name was Cat. She was my pride and joy. I bought it from a friend for, I think, $200. Now ask my mom what it cost and she’ll say a lot more because of all the work we had to put into it. I loved it regardless.

In what ways are you like your character?

Dez is a very passionate person, and he is always looking toward the horizon. I find myself in a similar position a lot as an actor. I am constantly trying to plan the next job, and the next, and the one after that. I have goals and dreams, like Dez, that I’m constantly working toward. I also like to think of myself as a passionate person.

What one piece of advice would you give your character?

Dez, use your brain to solve your problems, not your brawn. You’re smarter than people give you credit for. Show them that and not your temper, and you’ll be just fine. Also, listen to your heart, and take care of Shanita. She’s a queen – treat her accordingly!

What’s your dream role?

As cliche as it now is, my dream role is to play Aaron Burr in Hamilton. I was just singing along to the soundtrack in my car today! Truthfully, any character in that show would be a blast to portray, but Burr…that’s a special role!

TRISTAN CUNNINGHAM (Shanita)

You may have seen Tristan as Passepartout in Around the World in 80 Days last December. She’s also worked around the Bay Area with Cal Shakes, Aurora Theater, and SF Playhouse.

Tell me about your first car.

My first car was a 1995 purple Subaru Impreza. She was beat up but beautiful and getting a Subaru was the only choice where I grew up because of the SNOW. I was always told it was the best car for black ice.

In what ways are you like your character?

Shanita is someone who plays by the rules and works hard with pride. I’d like to think of myself as someone who works hard too, and treads through the world with a lot of pride in what I do.

What one piece of advice would you give your character?

This is funny to think about. But knowing me I think I would tell Shanita that the father of her baby isn’t treating her right, and that she deserves someone who knows how amazing she truly is.

What’s your dream role?

Shanita is certainly a dream role for me!

LANCE GARDNER (Reggie)

At TheatreWorks, Lance has appeared in Proof, Superior Donuts, and Auctioning the Ainsleys, understudied for Intimate Apparel and Anna in the Tropics, and performed multiple readings for the Education Department’s Young Playwrights Project.

Tell me about your first car.

My first car was a 1962 Volvo P1800. The gas gauge didn’t work, so every morning before school, I would bump the car with my hip before I got in, and I would determine from the sound of the sloshing gas in the tank if I needed to fill up or not. There was no heater, no air conditioner, no radio, and first gear didn’t really work. It was great. I miss it every day.

In what ways are you like your character?

I share Reggie’s empathy, as well as his fear that he may have compromised his true self in the course of building his professional self.

What one piece of advice would you give your character?

As a leader, every action you take has ripples. Lead with integrity, be kind, and breathe.